Route of Democracy – On the trail of the freedom movement

The 500 km "Route of Democracy" lets visitors explore the historic roots of today's German government and the liberation movement from the time of the French Revolution to the age of Metternich up to the present day. It runs through southwest Germany from Frankfurt am Main to Lörrach in the Basel region.

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Since its birth in 1848/49, the path of democracy in Germany has been far from easy. The "Route of Democracy" is not a reference to specific individual locations, but rather to the birthplace of German democracy as a whole. Here in the southwest, democracy only began with the adoption of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Germany in the 20th century.

No easy path

The path of the first German democrats was full of obstacles, division and bitter moments as well as liberating ones. The Hambach Festival in May 1832, to which many women were also invited, the Baden Constitution, the National Assembly in St. Paul's Church in Frankfurt, the former Dalberg Court in Mainz, the scene of a treason trial in 1850: all these and many others are sites that commemorate the sacrifices made by "the friends of the constitution", Friedrich Hecker, Gustav Struve, Karl Drais, Franz Sigel, Philipp J. Siebenpfeiffer and supporters of German democracy.

Authentic locations, memorials and museums

Travellers along the "Route of Democracy" will set out on a journey to the birthplace of German democracy and will discover exciting episodes in history, engaging personalities and magnificent sites long the way. They will also hear sensational stories and revolutionary songs, and will learn something about Germany, democracy and the arduous road to freedom.

Food, drink and democratic thought

Fine wines, drinkable beers and delicious regional specialties are not to be missed, so much so that even revolutionaries partook of them themselves at one time. And as is still the case for people now, the pubs and inns were their favourite haunts.

Events

The Apple Wine Festival has been a big part of the city’s atmosphere for a long time. The people from Frankfurt and their visitors celebrate their national
drink with their own Apple Wine Festival and a diverse stage programme.

Upcoming dates:

10.08.2018 - 19.08.2018

Venue

Roßmarkt in Frankfurt am MainRoßmarkt 1260311 Frankfurt am Main

All information on prices, dates and opening times are subject to change without notice.

Most of Frankfurt's museums can be found in close succession along the southern banks of the river Main.

With views of Frankfurt's famous skyline, this is a wonderful place for a
stroll – and for a festival. The Museum Embankment Festival attracts
around three million visitors every year with its winning combination of
art, culture, music and cuisine. Exceptional programmes at the city's
museums, live entertainment on stage, and arts and crafts make this
event one of the largest festivals of culture in Europe.

Upcoming dates:

24.08.2018 - 26.08.2018

Venue

MuseumsuferMetzlerpark 60594 Frankfurt am Main

All information on prices, dates and opening times are subject to change without notice.

The Dippe Fair Frankfurt can look back onto a tradition that goes all the way back to the 14th century. Back then, it was called the “Maamess” and was a medieval market for household goods. Nowadays, the Dippe Fair Frankfurt is the biggest folk festival and
takes place twice a year - once in the spring around Easter and once in
the autumn at the end of September - on the festival square by the
Ratsweg near the East park.

Upcoming dates:

07.09.2018 - 16.09.2018

Venue

Festplatz am RatswegAm Bornheimer Hang 460386 Frankfurt am Main

All information on prices, dates and opening times are subject to change without notice.